Long Beach Triathlon: Swim, Bike, Run!

The Long Beach Triathlon is a fast paced three-sport event that will take place on Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 7:00 a.m., along the Long Beach City downtown shoreline.

“This will be the 11th annual triathlon, and we are making it into a fundraising event. I hope that through this event, the Long Beach community could come together and recognize that HIV is still a big problem in this community”, said Karen Kachigan, founder of the Long Beach Triathlon.

As a sprint triathlon, the race covers roughly half the classic Olympic triathlon distance, where athletes compete in a half-mile swim, an 11-mile cycling race, and a 3-mile run. This triathlon is ideal for novice and intermediate athletes, yet attractive enough to draw the top tri-athletes on the West Coast circuit.

All proceeds from the triathlon go towards supporting the Comprehensive AIDS Resource and Education (C.A.R.E.) program at St. Mary Medical Center, the largest comprehensive HIV provider in the Greater Long Beach area.

To participate in the triathlon as an athlete please contact Pacific Sports at www.pacificsportsllc.com/long-beach-tri-registration or call 714-978-1528.

Now more than ever, non-profit community based organizations like the C.A.R.E. Program need financial support from its community and stakeholders. To sponsor an athlete or make a tax deductible donation to the event, please log on to: www.active.com/donate/longbeachtriathlon

Volunteers are also being recruited to help staff the triathlon. Volunteers will not only support these courageous athletes during the competition, but will also help the people who depend on C.A.R.E. for services and support. Some volunteers will be needed as early as 5:30 a.m. For more information on how to volunteer, please contact www.careprogram.org or call Carlos Ruiz at 562-624-4936.

Long Beach Triathlon Details:

Transition Area & Finish: The transition area is located adjacent to Alfredo’s Beach Club along the shores of Downtown Long Beach. The physical address of Alfredo’s is 700 Shoreline Dr., Long Beach, CA 90802.

The lot is located off Shoreline Dr. between Linden Ave. and Ocean Ave.

Parking for the Triathlon: Parking is available at the Convention Center for $8. The lot will open at 4:00 a.m. on Sunday.